BERGISCH GLADBACH, January 24, 2017 – The EU project CARAT has taken on the mission to deliver new tools and technologies to enable the wide use of novel personalized cancer treatment options. In 2017, CARAT will grant five scientists with a fellowship that gives them the opportunity to participate in a unique training. This training, which is coordinated by Miltenyi Biotec, has the aim to transfer knowledge on GMP-compliant CAR T cell manufacturing to scientists in the field. Scientists with a profound background in cellular and gene therapy who intend to initiate clinical applications in the near future can apply for the fellowship until May 31, 2017 at http://carat-horizon2020.eu
The EU-funded project CARAT (= Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs) for Advanced Therapies) aims to develop a new, comprehensive platform for innovative cell manufacturing technologies as part of the European HORIZON 2020 research and innovation program. In order to accomplish the goal of providing a safe, automated, and cost-efficient manufacture of effective CAR T cells for personalized cancer therapies, CARAT, consisting of eight partners from four different European countries, was initiated. Within the framework of CARAT, training courses on GMP-compliant CAR T cell manufacturing will be organized. The first training event will take place in December 2017 at Miltenyi Biotec’s headquarters in Bergisch Gladbach, Germany.
The CARAT training fellowship
The fellowship is tailored towards experienced scientists in the cellular and gene therapy field, who expect to initiate clinical applications in the near future. The 5-day training course will transmit know-how on GMP-compliant CAR T cell manufacturing, with a focus on practical, regulatory, and scientific matters, to five selected trainees. Objectives of the course include an introduction to cell separation, a hands-on training on T cell transduction using Miltenyi Biotec’s automated CliniMACS Prodigy® Cell Processing Platform, and an active exchange about regulatory requirements including clinical trial design and approval processes. After the course, each CARAT trainee will be prepared to independently perform the automated manufacture of cellular products as well as manage logistical aspects such as GMP compliance and adherence to monitoring guidelines.
Important information for applicants
Applicants from EU Member States and Associated Countries are encouraged to participate and submit their short applications by May 31st, 2017. Submitted applications will be carefully peer-reviewed by the CARAT Steering Committee, considering the scientific background of applicants as well as gender balance and regional aspects. All applicants will be informed about the decision no later than three months after the submission deadline.
Read more on how to apply for the CARAT training fellowship: http://carat-horizon2020.eu
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About Miltenyi Biotec
Miltenyi Biotec is a global provider of products and services that advance biomedical research and cellular therapy. The company’s innovative tools support research at every level, from basic research to translational research to clinical application. This integrated portfolio enables scientists and clinicians to obtain, analyze, and utilize the cell. Miltenyi Biotec’s technologies cover techniques of sample preparation, cell isolation, cell sorting, flow cytometry, cell culture, molecular analysis, and preclinical imaging. Their more than 25 years of expertise spans research areas including immunology, stem cell biology, neuroscience, and cancer, and clinical research areas like hematology, graft engineering, and apheresis. In their commitment to the scientific community, Miltenyi Biotec also offers comprehensive scientific support, consultation, and expert training. Today, Miltenyi Biotec has more than 1,700 employees in 25 countries – all dedicated to helping researchers and clinicians around the world make a greater impact on science and health. For more information please visit www.miltenyibiotec.com
Project details
Name: CARAT – Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs) for Advanced Therapies
Start date: 2016-01-01
Duration: 48 months
http://carat-horizon2020.eu
Coordination: Miltenyi Biotec GmbH, Germany
The partners in CARAT at a glance:
France
Emmanuel Donnadieu: Institut Cochin, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Paris
Germany
Andrew Kaiser: Miltenyi Biotec GmbH, Bergisch Gladbach
Christian Buchholz: Paul-Ehrlich-Institut (Federal Institute for Vaccines and Biomedicines), Langen
Toni Catthomen: Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Freiburg
Janine Jost: European Research and Project Office GmbH, Saarbrücken
Italy
Attilio Bondanza: Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan
UK
Martin Pule: University College London, London
Matthew Lakelin: TrakCel Ltd., Cardiff
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Miltenyi Biotec Media Contact
Dr. Anna Guastafierro
Communications Manager
Tel.: (02204) 83 06-6693
annagu@miltenyibiotec.de